As a leader, how do you balance personal crisis with your leadership responsibilities? Are you tempted to go it alone? Are you reluctant to seek help?
(2 Samuel 19:1-7, NKJV)
“And Joab was told, ‘Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.’ So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people. For the people heard it said that day, ‘The king is grieved for his son.’ And the people stole back into the city that day, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. But the king covered his face, and the king cried out with a loud voice, ‘O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!’
Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, ‘Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines, in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well. Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.’”
Crisis
Like anyone else, leaders experience personal crisis. Managing personal crisis without letting it affect your ability to lead can be a big challenge—and critically important. Some leaders choose not to share their grief with others, and even seek isolation. But being alone often complicates the situation. Why? For one, it is difficult to maintain proper perspective during difficult situations. Being alone eliminates the wisdom and support others can provide. Additionally, solitude tends to open one’s mind to negative self-talk that can feed emotions harmful to others and to ourselves.
When David received news that his son Absalom had been killed, he went into isolation to mourn. Understandable—to a point. But David went overboard. While focused on his own grief, he lost perspective regarding his leadership responsibilities. Joab confronted David. David had seemingly forgotten his many followers who had risked their lives to save him.
When your sorrow threatens to compromise your ability to lead or to relate to others, remember your immediate source of comfort and guidance. Ask God to intervene, to strengthen you, and help you to reconnect with the people He has placed alongside you.
You don’t need to face this challenge alone. Jesus has conquered this challenge so that you can move from your present situation to a life of overcoming. Invite him to lead you in your journey. He will forgive, comfort, and heal you.
There are warriors who know what you are going through and can help you. Please click one of the buttons below and allow one of them to help you.
The content of this article comes from “The Warrior’s Bible” (2014) and is copyrighted by Life Publishers International. Used with permission.
